What are lifting slings (Anschlagmittel)?

Lifting slings (Anschlagmittel) are devices that create the connection between a hoisting device — such as a crane hook, chain hoist or truss load point — and the load. Lifting slings are also called Gehänge in German trade language. They are not part of the hoisting device itself but removable, individually certified components that carry the load in the force flow. Typical lifting slings include round slings, steel wire ropes, lifting chains, webbing slings, shackles and connecting components. Every lifting sling must carry a permanent marking of its working load limit (WLL), which must never be exceeded.

What types of lifting slings are there?

There are four main types of lifting slings, each suited to different loads and environments. Round slings made of endless polyester are flexible, lightweight and gentle on surfaces. Webbing slings are flat woven straps for short, flexible lifts. Steel wire ropes offer high capacity, abrasion resistance and serve as steel safety ropes in rigging. Lifting chains in defined grade classes are robust and temperature-resistant for rough environments. In addition, shackles, master links, anchor points and eye bolts complete the range as connecting and attachment components for safe stage and truss rigging.

What is the difference between load-handling attachments and lifting slings?

The difference between load-handling attachments (Lastaufnahmemittel) and lifting slings (Anschlagmittel) lies in their function within the lifting process. Load-handling attachments take up the load directly and transfer its weight to the hoisting device — examples are lifting beams, spreaders and fork carriages. Lifting slings, by contrast, connect the load to the tackle of the crane or hoist and include round slings, steel ropes, chains and shackles. In event technology, a truss adapter carrying a fixture is a load-handling attachment, while a steel safety rope securing that fixture overhead is a lifting sling.

What is classified as a lifting sling?

Classified as lifting slings are all non-integral devices that connect the load to the hoisting device or connect a load-handling attachment to the tackle. This includes steel wire ropes, round steel chains, webbing slings, round slings (also called Schlupf) and detachable connecting components such as shackles and swivels. Every lifting sling must show its maximum permissible working load limit; components to DIN EN 818 are instead marked with nominal size and grade class. In event technology, steel safety ropes securing overhead loads also count as lifting slings under DGUV Vorschrift 17.

How often must lifting slings be inspected?

Lifting slings must be inspected on two levels. Before every single use, the rigger performs a visual inspection for obvious defects such as cuts, cracks, deformation or strand breaks. In addition, a competent person (befähigte Person) must inspect every lifting sling at least once a year, and this inspection must be documented appropriately in line with DGUV Regel 109-017. Re-inspection is also required after any repair. Any lifting sling showing discard criteria — or lacking a manufacturer marking and WLL rating — must be removed from service immediately.

How is the working load limit (WLL) of lifting slings determined?

The working load limit (WLL) of lifting slings depends on the sling type, the number of legs and the inclination angle. As the inclination angle from the vertical increases, each leg carries more force, so the permissible load decreases. Load tables to DGUV Information 209-021 state the WLL for angle ranges such as 0–45° and 45–60°. For slings with more than two legs, only two legs count as load-bearing unless even load distribution is verified. In event technology, the stricter BGV C1 factors apply: textile slings to 1/12 of breaking force, others to 0.5 times the rated WLL.

Why does event rigging require a steel safety rope?

Event rigging requires a steel safety rope because DGUV Vorschrift 17 (formerly BGV C1) mandates it whenever portable hoists or lattice girders (truss) are rigged overhead using natural- or synthetic-fibre ropes or straps. The steel safety rope acts as an independent backup that catches the load should the primary textile sling fail — protecting the crew and audience below. This niche-critical accessory is largely absent from industrial lifting ranges but is essential for stages and shows. At LTT you can select steel safety ropes dimensioned to suit your fixtures and truss load points.

Which lifting sling suits Naxpro-Truss systems?

The lifting sling that suits a Naxpro-Truss system depends on the series and its permissible point loads. Naxpro-Truss FD31 and HD31 use a 50 mm main chord (2 mm and 3 mm wall thickness respectively), while the heavy GS94 uses a 60 mm chord with 5 mm wall thickness — each with its own load limits. Polyester round slings with matching shackles are the common choice for flying truss, complemented by a steel safety rope for overhead rigging. Always match the sling and shackle WLL to the truss load point so the connection, not the truss, defines the limit. LTT advises you on the right combination.

Lifting tackle

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